Justinian Sources Identification

Procopius — History of the Wars

Military and political history written c. 550–554. Describes battles, generals, foreign campaigns, and political crises, often from the perspective of a commander’s adviser.

Procopius — Secret History

Hostile political exposé probably written c. 550. Accuses the imperial court of corruption, cruelty, scandal, and abuse of power.

Procopius — On Buildings

Imperial panegyric from the 550s praising churches, fortifications, engineering, and charitable construction projects.

Agapetus — Advice to Justinian

Christian political advice written c. 527. Explains how a ruler should imitate divine justice, exercise virtue, and avoid tyranny.

Cassiodorus — Variae

Collection of official Gothic government letters published c. 537–538. Uses formal diplomatic language to emphasize Roman traditions and political legitimacy.

John Lydus — On the Magistracies

Administrative and antiquarian history written c. 550s. Discusses traditional Roman offices, bureaucracy, and their changing importance.

Agathias — Histories

Classicizing historical narrative written in the later sixth century, covering events mainly from 552–558. Its preface criticizes historians who flatter powerful rulers.

Evagrius — Ecclesiastical History

Church history completed c. 593–594. Emphasizes bishops, religious disputes, theological controversies, and political events viewed through Christianity.

John Malalas — Chronographia

Sixth-century historical chronicle recounting emperors, urban events, and public affairs in relatively accessible narrative form.

John of Ephesus — Lives of the Eastern Saints

Sixth-century religious biographies describing holy individuals, persecution, asceticism, and anti-Chalcedonian Christian communities.

Justinian — Codex

Collection of imperial constitutions first issued in 529 and revised in 534, intended to organize existing legislation.

Justinian — Digest/Pandects

Legal compilation issued in 533 organizing authoritative opinions and writings of earlier Roman jurists.

Justinian — Institutes

Introductory legal textbook issued in 533 to teach students the foundations of Roman law.

Justinian — Novel 14

Imperial legislation from 535 addressing prostitution, brothel owners, coercion, and the exploitation of vulnerable women.

Justinian — Novel 21

Imperial legislation from 536 extending Roman inheritance rules to Armenian women and challenging local customs.

Justinian — Novel 22

Imperial legislation from 536 regulating marriage, divorce, and family relationships.

Justinian — Novel 117

Imperial legislation from 542 addressing marital conduct and lawful grounds for divorce.

Justinian — Codex 1.27.1

Imperial constitution from 534 organizing administration after the conquest of North Africa and presenting victory as divinely supported liberation.

Panegyric

A literary genre designed to praise a ruler or other important individual, often emphasizing virtues and achievements while minimizing faults.

Hagiography

Religious biography emphasizing holiness, exemplary behavior, miracles, and spiritual achievements.

Chronicle

A historical genre organizing events in chronological sequence, often recording political and religious developments relatively briefly.

Mirror for Princes

A genre of political advice explaining the virtues, responsibilities, and proper conduct expected of an ideal ruler.

Imperial legislation

Official legal pronouncements revealing government policies and intentions, though not necessarily proving that the rules were enforced.

Source Criticism

Historical method of evaluating a document’s authorship, date, purpose, genre, perspective, and limitations rather than accepting its claims uncritically.